Despite the news in recent weeks about events around the world and what appears to be a downward spiral towards a fascist America if the very vocal politicians have their way, I have made a concerted effort to follow Mr. Roger’s advice to “look for the helpers”. They still exist, quietly doing what they do. So, I am looking for the helpers, and I am trying to help where I can, too.

But, after having a go earlier this week at writing today’s post, I can tell you that this is not what I originally wrote. My first post was angry. Very angry. Angry with our politicians, with a society that refuses to think for themselves, angry at disingenuous people proclaiming their holier-than-thou virtues book-ended by memes spewing hate. I was getting so angry I just wanted to scream, or punch something, perhaps both. And last night as I lay in bed practicing deep-breathing to calm myself, I thought of the quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

What is the change I wish to see? Look at the news – we humans are doing some really awful things to each other and our planet. It’s a broad, far-reaching, and idealistic change, but we have to start somewhere. Besides, all the anger and stress is making me break out and I don’t know about you, but I’m not fond of adult acne.

Now, I don’t want to just look for the helpers, I want to be a helper. I also figured that I wasn’t the only one who does.

Today, let’s focus on what we can do, no matter how small. The world is hurting right now. The world needs help. How about you and I become helpers?

The help refugees, check out the International Rescue Committee.

To help the homeless, see JustGive.org.

To help returning veterans – read ways you can in this CNN article.

To help seniors and the elderly – you can find out more here at CreateTheGood.org.

To help children in need – here and here are good resources.

To help the environment – start here at the EPA.

To make your voice heard, register to vote and make sure you exercise that right. And then write, call, fax, or email your legislators when you don’t agree with the course of action they are taking or even if you agree with what they are doing.

Every little bit helps.

• Pick up the trash you see in the parking lot on your way from the car to the grocery store and dispose of it properly. If an elephant can pick up the trash – so can you.
• Hold the door for the person or people behind you.
• Buy the coffee for the person behind you at the drive-thru or the counter.
• Offer a meal to the homeless person on the street.
• What you may think is a small gesture may be grand to the person on the receiving end.

And remember, if you’re looking for the helpers and not finding any – it’s your time to step up into that role. Be that change you wish you see.